The QX55 is a sportier and more stylish cousin of the QX50, and it makes a good first impression with sharp looks and a surprisingly spacious cabin. The driving experience is a letdown, though, as is real-world fuel economy. Overall, we think there are better choices for a coupe-style crossover SUV.
2024 INFINITI QX55 Review
Pros
- Many premium features included as standard
- Above-average cargo space compared with other coupe-style SUVs
Cons
- Inconsistent power delivery
- Some interior parts feel substandard
- Stale infotainment graphics and low-resolution camera for a luxury vehicle
- Available adaptive steering feels overly disconnected
What's new
- No major changes for 2024
- Part of the first QX55 generation introduced for 2022
Overview
Infiniti's crack at the SUV coupe idea, the QX55 follows the blueprint laid out by the BMW X6 (which was based on the X5) in 2008. The QX55 shares its critical mechanical bits with the Infiniti QX50, but it trades rear seat space and cargo volume for a stylish raked roofline. Infiniti charges a significant premium for this reduced utility, but fashion is rarely cheap. All-wheel drive, optional on the QX50, is standard on the QX55, but equivalently equipped, the latter still stickers well above its more functional sibling.
Edmunds spotlight: Engine and fuel economy
Infiniti's variable compression-ratio engine, branded VC-Turbo, is an engineering marvel. Without getting too tech-nerdy, it is capable of altering fundamental internal dimensions in milliseconds, a goal engineers around the world have been chasing for decades but only Infiniti and its parent company, Nissan, have realized. But the point of the engine is to offer a superior balance of power and efficiency than a conventional piece, and the more complex VC-Turbo doesn't substantially outshine any of its competitors' similarly sized four-cylinders in either regard.
Competitors to consider
Most luxury automakers sell SUV coupes like the QX55 — and most do it better. The BMW X4, Genesis GV70 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe balance comfort and style better than the Infiniti. If you can do without the sloped roof, the Acura RDX and Jaguar F-Pace also offer superior driving dynamics with athletic style. To see where the QX55 falls short of the competition, read our Expert Rating below.
Performance
6.5/10
How does the QX55 drive? If you go by specs alone, the QX55 holds a lot of promise. Our test QX55 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, which is respectably quick for a small luxury crossover with a four-cylinder engine. It's a bit slow to start but power comes on strong once you're rolling.
However, the powertrain lacks finesse. Much of the problem stems from the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Its simulated gear shifts can be jerky and slow, and transitions from going slow to going hard on the gas are inconsistent. We expect much more smoothness and refinement from a luxury SUV.
The steering is also problematic. Our QX55 Essential test vehicle had the available adaptive steering system. In theory, it provides better steering feel and speed for different driving situations. But in our testing, it felt disconnected and required constant small corrections to keep the vehicle straight on the highway. Overly soft handling around turns is another drawback.
Comfort
6.5/10
How comfortable is the QX55? Authentic leather and a lot of soft surfaces create a comfortable vibe inside the QX55, though it may not wow you the way some rivals do. The front seats are wide and cushy, and our test vehicle had power lumbar support. Unfortunately the front seat bottoms feel too flat, which can cause some discomfort on longer drives.
The biggest story here is the below-average ride quality. You'll notice it right away — the QX55 suspension is always busy, even on smooth roads, and while it rebounds quickly after a bump, you will feel that bump more than you would in most luxury competitors.
Interior
7.0/10
How’s the interior? The interior of the QX55 places its dual-screen setup front and center, but it could have saved the space and gone with just one. Having two simply doesn't add much to the experience. There's a helpful rotary dial so you don't have to reach all the way to the top screen.
The QX55 makes good use of its space for a small crossover. It's easy to climb in and out. Taller folks will have to duck to get into the back, but once there, the QX55 has a surprising amount of room for both their heads and legs. Drivers around 6 feet tall may wish the seat lowered a bit more, but otherwise the view is commanding. One complaint: A better-resolution backup camera would improve visibility dramatically.
Technology
5.5/10
How’s the tech? Neither of the QX55's dual screens is impressive visually, with so-so graphics, plus icons and maps that feel like they're behind the times. We also had trouble inputting addresses because the native navigation system would start the route unprompted. Good news: Wireless Apple CarPlay comes standard (Android Auto is wired). The Essential trim we tested had the 16-speaker Bose sound system and it produces pleasing audio quality.
The QX55's driver aids are mostly helpful. Parking sensors and a blind-spot warning system help compensate for the QX55's blind spots, and the lane keeping assistance works unobtrusively to help keep you in your intended lane. The adaptive cruise control system is generally good but annoyingly turns off once you come to a stop in heavy highway traffic.
Storage
8.0/10
How’s the storage? The QX55 is one of the roomiest models in its class. Behind the second row of seats is 26.9 cubic feet of room, which is better than Audi Q5 Sportback (24.7 cubic feet) and much better than X4 (18.5 cubes) or GLC Coupe (17.6 cubes). The opening is slim — so don't plan on moving large furniture — but otherwise there's enough room for daily activities. The sliding and reclining rear seat comes in handy for installing big rear-facing child safety seats.
Fuel Economy
7.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? Fuel economy and sportiness are supposed to be the great virtues of the QX55, but unfortunately it falls short. Its EPA estimate is 25 mpg combined, which is unremarkable compared to rivals. Worse, we observed an average 23.7 mpg on our standardized test route on which many vehicles routinely outperform their estimates. Premium fuel is recommended but not required.
Value
7.0/10
Is the QX55 a good value? Infiniti prices the QX55 competitively against rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. The problem is that the QX55 has trouble keeping pace with that stable of crossovers, making the asking price seem a bit daunting. This is especially true considering there's no cheaper base trim, like the one offered by its close cousin, the QX50. The interior is well constructed but hardly premium enough to justify Mercedes pricing.
It's a similar story with the warranty. Infiniti offers luxury-brand coverage, such as four years/60,000 miles of basic coverage and six years/70,000 miles on the powertrain. But smaller brands often go the extra mile to entice buyers, and the QX55 doesn't. No free maintenance is a missed opportunity.
Wildcard
7.0/10
There's definitely a certain charm to the QX55, mostly due to its attractive exterior styling and nifty interior. Even the powertrain, which doesn't quite come together as we hoped, lends some personality to the car. Making a first impression matters in this class, and the QX55 does that. Unfortunately few of those positives have to do with actual performance on the road.
Which QX55 does Edmunds recommend?
Even the base Luxe trim level is well equipped, but the premium for jumping to the Essential seems a fair trade for some meaningful upgrades. Among other features, the midlevel trim adds heated and ventilated front seats, Infiniti's surround-view 360-degree parking camera system, and a 16-speaker Bose audio system.
INFINITI QX55 models
The 2024 Infiniti QX55 small SUV is available in three trim levels: Luxe, Essential and Sensory. There's just one powertrain, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque mated to a continuously variable transmission. Every QX55 is all-wheel drive. Feature highlights of each trim level include: